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2nd grade homeschool plan, quarter 4

Weeks 28 to 36, 45 days, ready to print.

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Week 28: Seeds and growing

2nd grade, week 28, day 1 (day 136)

Reading30 min

New: open and closed syllables

  1. This week: open and closed syllables. A syllable ending in a vowel says the long sound (ro-bot); one shut by a consonant says the short sound (rab-bit).
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: robot, music, tiger and paper.
  3. Your child finds a open and closed syllables word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

Who is in my story

  1. Plan a main character for a story about a giant seed: a name, how they look, and what they want.
  2. Your child plans a story on a story map: who, where and when, before writing the beginning.
Math30 min

Polygons

  1. A polygon is a closed shape with straight sides. Draw a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon and a hexagon.
  2. Count the sides and corners of each and write them in a chart.
Science20 min

Seed parts

  1. Soak a lima bean overnight, peel off its coat, and split it open. Find the seed coat, the stored food and the tiny plant.
  2. Draw and label the three parts.
Social studies15 min

Public services

  1. Libraries, fire stations, post offices and parks are paid for by everyone's taxes. List what each one does.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Jack and the Beanstalk

  1. Read “Jack and the Beanstalk” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. Before reading, look at the title and the first page and ask: what do you think this story is about?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 28, day 2 (day 137)

Reading30 min

Spell words with open and closed syllables

  1. Say a word: rabbit, basket, napkin and pilot. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight open and closed syllables words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

Where and when

  1. Write where and when your story happens, with three details a reader can picture.
  2. Your child plans a story on a story map: who, where and when, before writing the beginning.
Math30 min

Quadrilaterals

  1. Every four-sided shape is a quadrilateral: squares, rectangles, and odd-looking ones too. Draw five different quadrilaterals.
  2. Which of them are also rectangles?
Science20 min

Warm or cold?

  1. Put seeds on damp paper towels in two bags, one in the fridge and one somewhere warm.
  2. Predict which will sprout first, and check every day.
Social studies15 min

A letter's journey

  1. Draw the steps a letter takes from a mailbox to a home across the country, with the job done at each step.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Magic Paintbrush

  1. Read “The Magic Paintbrush” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 28, day 3 (day 138)

Reading30 min

open and closed syllables in sentences

  1. Read the open and closed syllables words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “light” and “long”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

The story map

  1. Fill in a story map: who, where, when, the problem, and an idea for the ending.
  2. Your child plans a story on a story map: who, where and when, before writing the beginning.
Math30 min

Pentagons and hexagons

  1. Make a pentagon and a hexagon on the geoboard.
  2. Then move one band so the hexagon becomes a pentagon.
Science20 min

Measure the growth

  1. Measure the sprouts in centimeters every other day and write each length down.
  2. Make a line plot or a graph of the growth.
Social studies15 min

A library visit

  1. Visit a library or its website with a grown-up and list five things it lends besides books.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Water Uphill

  1. Read “Water Uphill” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. Afterward, ask your child to tell the story back to you: first, next, last.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 28, day 4 (day 139)

Reading30 min

Read: Jack and the Beanstalk

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: what was your favorite page, and why?
Writing20 min

The first paragraph

  1. Write the beginning of your story, introducing the character and the setting.
  2. Your child plans a story on a story map: who, where and when, before writing the beginning.
Math30 min

Shapes that don't look the same

  1. A hexagon can be any six-sided shape, not only the honeycomb kind. Draw three very different hexagons.
  2. Explain why each one is still a hexagon.
Science20 min

How seeds spread

  1. Seeds spread by wind, by water, on animals' fur, inside animals that eat fruit, and from pods that burst.
  2. Design a seed that could travel far on the wind, and test it in front of a fan.
Social studies15 min

Emergency helpers

  1. Talk about when to call for help in an emergency, and practice what you would say.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Tale of Peter Rabbit

  1. Read “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 28, day 5 (day 140)

Reading30 min

Passage: A Seed Grows

  1. Your child reads the passage, then you read it back to them.
  2. Ask the questions under it, and let your child point to where the answer is.
  3. Read this week's sight words, “light” and “long”, on their cards.
Writing20 min

A strong opening line

  1. Rewrite your first sentence two ways and keep the one that hooks a reader best.
  2. Your child plans a story on a story map: who, where and when, before writing the beginning.
Math30 min

Shape riddles

  1. Write riddles like: I have five sides and five corners. What am I?
  2. Trade riddles with a grown-up and draw each answer.
Science20 min

Plants from parts

  1. Some plants grow from parts instead of seeds. Put the top of a carrot or the base of a celery bunch in a dish of water.
  2. Watch for new leaves over a week and draw what grows.
Social studies15 min

A town plan

  1. Draw a town plan with five public places, a key and a compass rose.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Why Do Leaves Change Color?

  1. Read “Why Do Leaves Change Color?” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 29: Bugs and small creatures

2nd grade, week 29, day 1 (day 141)

Reading30 min

New: vowel teams in two syllables

  1. This week: vowel teams in two syllables. Split the word into its parts and read each vowel team: rain-bow, sea-weed.
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: rainbow, peanut, seaweed and daydream.
  3. Your child finds a vowel teams in two syllables word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

What goes wrong

  1. Write the problem your character faces, like a beetle who can't find her way home.
  2. In the middle of a story, the character has a problem and tries to fix it, and the first try may not work.
Math30 min

Faces of a cube

  1. A cube has 6 square faces, 12 edges and 8 corners. Count them on a block or a box.
  2. Put a sticker on each face as you count.
Science20 min

An insect's body plan

  1. Insects have three body parts, six legs and two antennae. Look closely at a beetle or a picture of one.
  2. Draw it large and label the head, thorax, abdomen, legs and antennae.
Social studies15 min

Urban, suburban and rural

  1. Urban means city, suburban means near a city, and rural means country. Sort pictures into the three.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Look at Ants

  1. Read “Look at Ants” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 29, day 2 (day 142)

Reading30 min

Spell words with vowel teams in two syllables

  1. Say a word: oatmeal, mailbox, toaster and teapot. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight vowel teams in two syllables words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

The first try

  1. Write the character's first try at fixing the problem, a try that doesn't work.
  2. In the middle of a story, the character has a problem and tries to fix it, and the first try may not work.
Math30 min

Angles are corners

  1. An angle is the corner where two sides meet. Count the angles in a triangle, a square and a hexagon.
  2. Does a flat shape always have as many angles as sides?
Science20 min

Insects at work

  1. Bees carry pollen, dung beetles clean up, and ladybugs eat aphids that harm plants.
  2. Write the job of three insects and why people need them.
Social studies15 min

Jobs in each place

  1. List jobs people do in a city, in a suburb and in the country.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Ant and the Grasshopper

  1. Read “The Ant and the Grasshopper” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 29, day 3 (day 143)

Reading30 min

vowel teams in two syllables in sentences

  1. Read the vowel teams in two syllables words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “much” and “myself”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

The second try

  1. Write a second try that works, and what the character learned from the first one.
  2. In the middle of a story, the character has a problem and tries to fix it, and the first try may not work.
Math30 min

Drawing with angles

  1. Draw a shape with 3 angles, one with 4, one with 5 and one with 6.
  2. Name each shape you drew.
Science20 min

How many kinds?

  1. Search one small patch of yard or park and count how many different kinds of small creatures you see.
  2. Compare it with a different spot, like the ground under a tree.
Social studies15 min

Getting around in each place

  1. Compare how people get around in each place: subway, car, tractor or walking.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Winnie-the-Pooh and the Bees

  1. Read “Winnie-the-Pooh and the Bees” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 29, day 4 (day 144)

Reading30 min

Read: Odile and the Fizzy Cup

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: who was in the story, and what happened?
Writing20 min

Showing feelings

  1. Add two sentences that show how the character feels when things go wrong.
  2. In the middle of a story, the character has a problem and tries to fix it, and the first try may not work.
Math30 min

Fold a cube

  1. Draw six squares in a cross shape on grid paper, cut it out, and fold it into a cube.
  2. Count its faces, edges and corners.
Science20 min

Camouflage

  1. Some insects look like leaves, sticks or bark, so birds can't find them.
  2. Color paper bugs to match spots in the yard, hide them, and time how long it takes someone to find them.
Social studies15 min

Good and hard

  1. Write one good thing and one hard thing about living in each kind of place.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Hen Parade

  1. Read “The Hen Parade” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. Afterward, ask: who was your favorite in the story, and why?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 29, day 5 (day 145)

Reading30 min

Reread: Jack and the Beanstalk

  1. Reread “Jack and the Beanstalk” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “much” and “myself”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

The middle so far

  1. Read the middle of your story aloud and check that each try follows from the last.
  2. In the middle of a story, the character has a problem and tries to fix it, and the first try may not work.
Math30 min

Solid shape sort

  1. Sort things from the house into cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones and spheres.
  2. Count the flat faces on each one.
Science20 min

An ant trail

  1. Put a crumb near an ant trail and watch what the ants do.
  2. Write what you see in order, with the time of each thing.
Social studies15 min

Where would I live?

  1. Write which kind of place you would choose to live in, and two reasons why.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Tom Thumb

  1. Read “Tom Thumb” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 30: Life cycles

2nd grade, week 30, day 1 (day 146)

Reading30 min

New: homophones

  1. This week: homophones. Words that sound the same but are spelled differently and mean different things: see and sea.
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: see, sea, by and buy.
  3. Your child finds a homophones word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

Quotation marks and commas

  1. Write three lines of talking between a tadpole and a frog, with quotation marks and commas.
  2. When characters talk, their exact words go inside quotation marks, and a new speaker starts a new line.
Math30 min

Halves, thirds and fourths

  1. Fold paper strips into 2, 3 and 4 equal parts and label each part: a half, a third, a fourth.
  2. Line the strips up. Which part is the biggest?
Science20 min

Four stages or three

  1. Butterflies have four stages (egg, larva, pupa, adult); grasshoppers have three (egg, nymph, adult).
  2. Draw both life cycles and compare them.
Social studies15 min

Volunteers

  1. Volunteers help without being paid. List three ways volunteers help your community.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Tadpoles in a Jar

  1. Read “Tadpoles in a Jar” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. Before reading, look at the title and the first page and ask: what do you think this story is about?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 30, day 2 (day 147)

Reading30 min

Spell words with homophones

  1. Say a word: write, right, won and one. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight homophones words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

A new line for each speaker

  1. Write a conversation between a caterpillar and a bird, starting a new line each time the speaker changes.
  2. When characters talk, their exact words go inside quotation marks, and a new speaker starts a new line.
Math30 min

Equal shares or not?

  1. Draw circles and rectangles cut into parts, some equal and some not.
  2. Your child circles the ones cut into equal shares.
Science20 min

A frog's changes

  1. A tadpole breathes with gills and swims with a tail; a frog breathes with lungs and hops on land.
  2. List three changes and how each one helps the frog live where it does.
Social studies15 min

A teamwork challenge

  1. As a family, build a tower from newspaper and tape in ten minutes, with each person in charge of one job.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Ugly Duckling

  1. Read “The Ugly Duckling” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 30, day 3 (day 148)

Reading30 min

homophones in sentences

  1. Read the homophones words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “never” and “only”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

Words instead of said

  1. Write five lines of talking that use whispered, shouted, asked, answered and laughed.
  2. When characters talk, their exact words go inside quotation marks, and a new speaker starts a new line.
Math30 min

Making a whole

  1. Two halves, three thirds and four fourths each make one whole.
  2. Fold a strip into thirds and say: three thirds make one whole.
Science20 min

A plant's life cycle

  1. A plant grows from seed to seedling to adult plant, flowers, and makes new seeds.
  2. Draw it as a circle and label each stage.
Social studies15 min

Solving it together

  1. Pick a family problem and use the problem solving steps to find a fix everyone agrees on.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Frog That Freezes

  1. Read “The Frog That Freezes” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 30, day 4 (day 149)

Reading30 min

Read: Tadpoles in a Jar

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: where did the story happen? How do you know?
Writing20 min

Talking shows feelings

  1. Write a line of talking that shows a character is nervous, without using the word nervous.
  2. When characters talk, their exact words go inside quotation marks, and a new speaker starts a new line.
Math30 min

Different shapes, same size

  1. Cut one paper square into fourths two ways: four small squares, and four triangles.
  2. Are the parts the same size even though the shapes differ? Lay them on top of each other to check.
Science20 min

Babies and parents

  1. Look at pictures of baby and adult animals and list traits they share, like stripes, spots or long ears.
  2. Find two babies that look very different from their parents.
Social studies15 min

Compromise

  1. A compromise is when each side gives a little. Act out two people who both want the same toy, and find a compromise.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Frog Prince

  1. Read “The Frog Prince” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 30, day 5 (day 150)

Reading30 min

Reread: Odile and the Fizzy Cup

  1. Reread “Odile and the Fizzy Cup” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “never” and “only”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

Add talking to my story

  1. Add at least three lines of talking to the story you have been writing.
  2. When characters talk, their exact words go inside quotation marks, and a new speaker starts a new line.
Math30 min

Sharing food fairly

  1. Share a sandwich among 2, a pancake among 3, and a drawn pizza among 4.
  2. Name the share each person gets.
Science20 min

Life spans

  1. Some insects live only a few weeks; some tortoises live more than 100 years. Find the life span of three animals.
  2. Put them on a number line from shortest to longest.
Social studies15 min

A helping plan

  1. Plan one way your family could help your community this month, and write the steps.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Eight Arms

  1. Read “Eight Arms” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 31: Sink or float

2nd grade, week 31, day 1 (day 151)

Reading30 min

New: more contractions

  1. This week: more contractions. Two words joined with an apostrophe where letters are left out: I will, I'll; you have, you've.
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: I'll, we'll, you've and they're.
  3. Your child finds a more contractions word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

How it ends

  1. Write an ending for your story that solves the character's problem.
  2. A good ending solves the problem and shows how the character feels, or what they learned.
Math30 min

Rows and columns of squares

  1. Draw a rectangle and split it into 2 rows and 3 columns of same-size squares. Count them: 6.
  2. Try 3 rows and 4 columns.
Science20 min

Layers in a glass

  1. Pour honey, dish soap, water and cooking oil slowly into a tall glass, in that order.
  2. Drop in a grape, a coin and a cork. Where does each one stop?
Social studies15 min

Three levels of leaders

  1. Talk about the leaders of a town (a mayor), a state (a governor) and the country (the president), and one job of each.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Sink or Float?

  1. Read “Sink or Float?” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 31, day 2 (day 152)

Reading30 min

Spell words with more contractions

  1. Say a word: wasn't, couldn't, let's and won't. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight more contractions words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

What they learned

  1. Write a sentence that shows what your character learned by the end.
  2. A good ending solves the problem and shows how the character feels, or what they learned.
Math30 min

Covering a rectangle

  1. Cover a book with sticky notes or paper squares with no gaps or overlaps, and count them.
  2. Count them again by rows to check.
Science20 min

The boat that holds the most

  1. Build boats in three shapes from the same size of foil and load each one with pennies.
  2. Make a table of how many pennies each held before it sank.
Social studies15 min

Making laws

  1. Lawmakers write laws and vote on them. Hold a pretend family council to vote on a new rule.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Why Does Ice Float?

  1. Read “Why Does Ice Float?” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 31, day 3 (day 153)

Reading30 min

more contractions in sentences

  1. Read the more contractions words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “own” and “pick”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

A different ending

  1. Write a second, surprising ending for the same story.
  2. A good ending solves the problem and shows how the character feels, or what they learned.
Math30 min

Big squares, small squares

  1. Split two same-size rectangles, one into 4 big squares and one into 16 small squares.
  2. Which has more squares? Which squares are bigger?
Science20 min

A clay boat

  1. A ball of clay sinks. Can you shape the same clay into a boat that floats?
  2. Test it, then add marbles until it sinks.
Social studies15 min

Rules and laws

  1. Write two family rules and two town laws, and what happens when each one is broken.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Ben and the Puddle Boat

  1. Read “Ben and the Puddle Boat” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. Afterward, ask your child to tell the story back to you: first, next, last.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 31, day 4 (day 154)

Reading30 min

Read: Sink or Float?

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask your child to tell it back: what happened first, next and last?
Writing20 min

Choosing the ending

  1. Read both endings aloud and choose the better one, with a reason.
  2. A good ending solves the problem and shows how the character feels, or what they learned.
Math30 min

Rectangles are arrays

  1. A rectangle cut into rows and columns is an array. Write the adding sentence for one with 3 rows of 5.
  2. Do two more the same way, with different rows.
Science20 min

An egg in salt water

  1. Float an egg by stirring salt into a glass of water a spoonful at a time.
  2. Count the spoonfuls it takes, and write why the salty ocean helps swimmers float.
Social studies15 min

Fair laws

  1. Talk about what makes a law fair, and why it applies to everyone, leaders included.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Otter's Rock

  1. Read “The Otter's Rock” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. Afterward, ask: who was your favorite in the story, and why?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 31, day 5 (day 155)

Reading30 min

Reread: Tadpoles in a Jar

  1. Reread “Tadpoles in a Jar” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “own” and “pick”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

The whole story

  1. Copy your whole story, beginning, middle and end, and read it to someone.
  2. A good ending solves the problem and shows how the character feels, or what they learned.
Math30 min

Design a garden

  1. Design a garden bed on grid paper with rows and columns of square plots.
  2. Count the plots, and write how many rows and how many columns.
Science20 min

Floating on air

  1. Build a balloon hovercraft and watch it float on a cushion of air.
  2. Test it on a smooth table and on carpet, and write which worked better.
Social studies15 min

Write a law

  1. Write a new law for your town with the reason for it, and present it to the family.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Lulu the Lanternfish Lights Up

  1. Read “Lulu the Lanternfish Lights Up” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. Afterward, ask: has anything like this happened to you? How was it the same, or different?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 32: Build it strong

2nd grade, week 32, day 1 (day 156)

Reading30 min

New: three syllables

  1. This week: three syllables. Clap the beats, then read one part at a time: ba-na-na, el-e-phant.
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: banana, dinosaur, elephant and tomato.
  3. Your child finds a three syllables word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

Sense words

  1. List sense words for building a tower: what you see, hear, smell and touch.
  2. A sense poem has a line for each sense about one topic. Your child reads it aloud to hear how it sounds.
Math30 min

Look for tens first

  1. Add 14 + 6 + 23 + 7 by finding pairs that make tens: 14 + 6 = 20 and 23 + 7 = 30.
  2. Then add 20 + 30 = 50.
Science20 min

The design steps

  1. Engineers ask, imagine, plan, create and improve. Write the five steps on a card.
  2. Use the card for every build this week.
Social studies15 min

Flag facts

  1. The American flag has 13 stripes for the first 13 states and 50 stars for the 50 states today. Count both.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Squeaky Gate

  1. Read “The Squeaky Gate” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. Before reading, look at the title and the first page and ask: what do you think this story is about?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 32, day 2 (day 157)

Reading30 min

Spell words with three syllables

  1. Say a word: butterfly, umbrella, computer and telephone. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight three syllables words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

A five-senses poem

  1. Write a poem with one line for each sense about a tower of blocks falling down.
  2. A sense poem has a line for each sense about one topic. Your child reads it aloud to hear how it sounds.
Math30 min

Four numbers in a column

  1. Write 25 + 13 + 32 + 18 in a column. Add all the ones, regroup, then add the tens.
  2. Check by adding in a different order.
Science20 min

An index card bridge

  1. Build a bridge from index cards and tape across a gap between two books.
  2. Add coins until it falls, and write down the number.
Social studies15 min

A changing flag

  1. The flag changed many times as states joined. Talk about why the stars changed but the stripes stayed at 13.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Elevator Plan

  1. Read “The Elevator Plan” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 32, day 3 (day 158)

Reading30 min

three syllables in sentences

  1. Read the three syllables words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “seven” and “shall”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

Sound words

  1. Write a poem that uses sound words like crash, clatter and thump.
  2. A sense poem has a line for each sense about one topic. Your child reads it aloud to hear how it sounds.
Math30 min

A shopping total

  1. Add the prices of four things on a pretend list: 15¢, 32¢, 25¢ and 8¢.
  2. Is a dollar enough to pay for them all?
Science20 min

Make it stronger

  1. Fold, roll or layer the cards to make the bridge stronger, and test it again.
  2. Write which shape held the most coins and why.
Social studies15 min

Caring for a flag

  1. Talk about the customs for treating the flag with respect, like not letting it touch the ground.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Coo Catches Gumdrop

  1. Read “Coo Catches Gumdrop” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. Afterward, ask your child to tell the story back to you: first, next, last.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 32, day 4 (day 159)

Reading30 min

Read: Coo Catches Gumdrop

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: what was your favorite page, and why?
Writing20 min

A shape poem

  1. Write a poem in the shape of a bridge or a tower, with the words following the lines.
  2. A sense poem has a line for each sense about one topic. Your child reads it aloud to hear how it sounds.
Math30 min

Dice sums

  1. Roll two dice four times to make four two-digit numbers, and add them.
  2. Who got the biggest total, and by how much?
Science20 min

An egg drop

  1. With a grown-up, design a package that keeps a raw egg in a sandwich bag from breaking when dropped from a chair.
  2. Test it outside, then improve one thing and test again.
Social studies15 min

My state's flag

  1. Look at a picture of your state's flag and describe its colors and symbols.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Paul Bunyan and Babe

  1. Read “Paul Bunyan and Babe” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 32, day 5 (day 160)

Reading30 min

Reread: Sink or Float?

  1. Reread “Sink or Float?” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “seven” and “shall”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

Poem performance

  1. Pick your favorite poem, practice it, and read it aloud with expression.
  2. A sense poem has a line for each sense about one topic. Your child reads it aloud to hear how it sounds.
Math30 min

Four-number sums on paper

  1. Make a sheet of four-number sums on the worksheet generator, or write five yourself.
  2. Circle the pairs you added first.
Science20 min

A tower that stands

  1. Build the tallest tower you can from 20 paper cups and 10 index cards.
  2. Measure it and write what made it stable.
Social studies15 min

Design a flag

  1. Design a flag for your family with colors and symbols, and write what each part means.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Tam and the Wind-Up Tractor

  1. Read “Tam and the Wind-Up Tractor” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. Afterward, ask: has anything like this happened to you? How was it the same, or different?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 33: Taking care of Earth

2nd grade, week 33, day 1 (day 161)

Reading30 min

New: ph and gh

  1. This week: ph and gh. Ph says /f/ (phone), and gh says /f/ at the end of a few words (laugh).
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: phone, photo, graph and dolphin.
  3. Your child finds a ph and gh word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

Title and author

  1. Write the title and author of a book you loved this year, and one sentence about it.
  2. Your child writes the title and author, what happens in a few sentences, and why someone else should read it.
Math30 min

Rounding to the nearest ten

  1. On a number line, is 37 closer to 30 or to 40? It rounds up to 40.
  2. Round 12, 45, 68 and 91 to the nearest ten: a 5 in the ones rounds up.
Science20 min

Where trash goes

  1. Talk about where trash goes after it leaves your home: a landfill, a recycling plant, or a compost pile.
  2. Count your family's trash bags for a week.
Social studies15 min

Symbols of the country

  1. Name symbols of the United States, like the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell and the flag, and what each one stands for.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: From the Sun to the Pedals

  1. Read “From the Sun to the Pedals” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 33, day 2 (day 162)

Reading30 min

Spell words with ph and gh

  1. Say a word: alphabet, laugh, tough and enough. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight ph and gh words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

What happens

  1. Write what happens in the book in four sentences, without giving away the ending.
  2. Your child writes the title and author, what happens in a few sentences, and why someone else should read it.
Math30 min

Rounding to the nearest hundred

  1. Is 260 closer to 200 or to 300? It rounds to 300.
  2. Round 140, 350, 581 and 909: a 5 in the tens rounds up.
Science20 min

A recycling sort

  1. Sort clean recycling into paper, plastic, metal and glass.
  2. Read the recycling rules for your town on the bin or its lid.
Social studies15 min

The bald eagle

  1. The bald eagle became a symbol of the country in 1782. Find out where bald eagles live and what they eat.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Bracken Keeps the Hill

  1. Read “Bracken Keeps the Hill” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 33, day 3 (day 163)

Reading30 min

ph and gh in sentences

  1. Read the ph and gh words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “show” and “small”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

Why I loved it

  1. Write three reasons you loved the book, with an example for each.
  2. Your child writes the title and author, what happens in a few sentences, and why someone else should read it.
Math30 min

Estimate, then add

  1. Estimate 48 + 31 by rounding: 50 + 30 = 80. Then find the exact answer.
  2. How close was the estimate to the answer?
Science20 min

Less packaging

  1. Look at the packaging on five foods and decide which uses the least.
  2. Make a list of ways your family could bring less trash home.
Social studies15 min

The Liberty Bell

  1. The Liberty Bell hangs in Philadelphia. Find the city on a map, and talk about why a bell could stand for freedom.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Why Is the Ocean Salty?

  1. Read “Why Is the Ocean Salty?” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 33, day 4 (day 164)

Reading30 min

Read: The Otter's Rock

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: who was in the story, and what happened?
Writing20 min

Who should read it

  1. Write who would like this book, and why they would like it.
  2. Your child writes the title and author, what happens in a few sentences, and why someone else should read it.
Math30 min

Is it reasonable?

  1. Someone says 312 + 296 = 908. Round to check: 300 + 300 = 600. Is 908 reasonable?
  2. Find the mistake and fix it together.
Science20 min

Water and energy at home

  1. Find three ways your home uses water and three ways it uses electricity.
  2. Pick one way to save each, and try it for a week.
Social studies15 min

The Great Seal

  1. Look at the back of a one-dollar bill for the Great Seal: an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows. What might each one mean?
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Dog in the Manger

  1. Read “The Dog in the Manger” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 33, day 5 (day 165)

Reading30 min

Reread: Coo Catches Gumdrop

  1. Reread “Coo Catches Gumdrop” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “show” and “small”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

My book review

  1. Put it all together as a book review with a title, a summary, your reasons and a star rating.
  2. Your child writes the title and author, what happens in a few sentences, and why someone else should read it.
Math30 min

Estimating a jar

  1. Fill a jar with dry beans or pasta, and each person estimates how many. Then count them in tens.
  2. Whose estimate was the closest one?
Science20 min

Protecting a habitat

  1. Pick a habitat near you, like a stream or a park, and list what could harm it.
  2. Write a plan with two ways people could protect it.
Social studies15 min

State symbols

  1. Find your state's bird, flower or tree, and draw it.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Mavis and the Greedy Mayor

  1. Read “Mavis and the Greedy Mayor” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. Afterward, ask: has anything like this happened to you? How was it the same, or different?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 34: Wind and air

2nd grade, week 34, day 1 (day 166)

Reading30 min

New: y to i

  1. This week: y to i. When a word ends in a consonant and y, change the y to i before -er or -est: happy, happier, happiest.
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: happier, happiest, funnier and busiest.
  3. Your child finds a y to i word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

Circle and check

  1. Reread a piece from this year and circle every word you are not sure how to spell.
  2. Your child circles words they are not sure of, checks them with a grown-up, and fixes the spelling.
Math30 min

Patterns on the hundreds chart

  1. Color every number that ends in 5, then every number that ends in 0. What pattern do you see?
  2. Describe the pattern in a sentence.
Science20 min

Air has weight

  1. Hang two blown-up balloons from the ends of a hanger so it balances, then let the air out of one.
  2. Which side goes down? The air inside had weight.
Social studies15 min

The Statue of Liberty

  1. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France and stands in New York Harbor. Find both countries on the globe.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The North Wind and the Sun

  1. Read “The North Wind and the Sun” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. Before reading, look at the title and the first page and ask: what do you think this story is about?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 34, day 2 (day 167)

Reading30 min

Spell words with y to i

  1. Say a word: easier, sunnier, tinier and silliest. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight y to i words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

Checking the patterns

  1. Check each circled word against this year's spelling patterns and fix the ones you can.
  2. Your child circles words they are not sure of, checks them with a grown-up, and fixes the spelling.
Math30 min

Find the rule

  1. What comes next: 3, 7, 11, 15? The rule is add 4. Find the rule for 50, 45, 40, 35.
  2. Make up a pattern for a grown-up to solve.
Science20 min

Air pushes

  1. Over a sink, fill a glass to the brim with water, press a card on top, and turn it over.
  2. Why does the card stay on? The air pushing up on it holds it in place.
Social studies15 min

Washington, D.C.

  1. Find the White House, the Capitol and the Washington Monument on a map of Washington, D.C., and talk about what happens in each.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Marit and the Storm Pony

  1. Read “Marit and the Storm Pony” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 34, day 3 (day 168)

Reading30 min

y to i in sentences

  1. Read the y to i words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “start” and “today”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

My tricky words

  1. Make a list of ten tricky words you often misspell, and write each one three times.
  2. Your child circles words they are not sure of, checks them with a grown-up, and fixes the spelling.
Math30 min

Skip counting from anywhere

  1. Count by 10s from 23 to 123, then by 100s from 45 to 945.
  2. Which digit changes each time?
Science20 min

Rating the wind

  1. Make a wind meter from a paper strip taped to a pencil, and rate the wind from 0 to 5 each day.
  2. Record a week of wind and graph it.
Social studies15 min

Landmarks made by nature

  1. Some landmarks are made by nature, like the Grand Canyon. Find it on Planet Earth.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Mia and the Kite

  1. Read “Mia and the Kite” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. Afterward, ask your child to tell the story back to you: first, next, last.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 34, day 4 (day 169)

Reading30 min

Read: The North Wind and the Sun

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: where did the story happen? How do you know?
Writing20 min

A partner check

  1. A grown-up underlines misspelled words in a new paragraph about wind, and you fix them.
  2. Your child circles words they are not sure of, checks them with a grown-up, and fixes the spelling.
Math30 min

Growing patterns

  1. Build a pattern with blocks: 1 block, then 3, then 5. How many in the next step?
  2. Draw the next two steps.
Science20 min

Wind can lift

  1. Make a pinwheel and see whether it can wind up a paper clip on a thread as it spins.
  2. Talk about how big wind turbines turn moving air into electricity.
Social studies15 min

A landmark in my state

  1. With a grown-up, pick a landmark in your state and write three facts about it.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Stamp of the North Wind

  1. Read “The Stamp of the North Wind” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. Afterward, ask: who was your favorite in the story, and why?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 34, day 5 (day 170)

Reading30 min

Reread: The Otter's Rock

  1. Reread “The Otter's Rock” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “start” and “today”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

Every word checked

  1. Write a short piece about air and check every word before you call it done.
  2. Your child circles words they are not sure of, checks them with a grown-up, and fixes the spelling.
Math30 min

Odd and even rules

  1. Add two even numbers, two odd numbers, and an odd and an even. What kind of answer do you get each time?
  2. Test five more of each to check your rule.
Science20 min

A balloon car race

  1. Build a balloon car and measure how far it goes with a small balloon and with a big one.
  2. Make a chart and write why more air made a difference.
Social studies15 min

A landmark brochure

  1. Make a folded brochure for a landmark, with a picture, facts and why people visit.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: A Day on the Space Station

  1. Read “A Day on the Space Station” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 35: Summer and sun safety

2nd grade, week 35, day 1 (day 171)

Reading30 min

New: ear and eer

  1. This week: ear and eer. Ear (near) and eer (deer) both say /eer/.
  2. Read these words together, running a finger under each one as you say it: near, clear, year and beard.
  3. Your child finds a ear and eer word in a book or on a box at home.
Writing20 min

Choosing my best piece

  1. Look through your writing from the year and choose your best piece, with a reason.
  2. Your child picks their best piece of the year, revises it, copies it neatly, and reads it to the family.
Math30 min

A magic square

  1. Fill a 3 by 3 grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so every row, column and diagonal adds to 15.
  2. Here is a hint: 5 goes in the middle.
Science20 min

The longest days

  1. In the United States, the day with the most daylight comes in June. Write down sunrise and sunset each day for a week.
  2. Graph the hours of daylight.
Social studies15 min

Rights and responsibilities

  1. Write two rights citizens have and two responsibilities that go with them.
  2. Afterward, your child writes two or three sentences about what they did and why it matters.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Why Do We Have Seasons?

  1. Read “Why Do We Have Seasons?” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 35, day 2 (day 172)

Reading30 min

Spell words with ear and eer

  1. Say a word: deer, cheer, steer and peer. Your child says each sound, then writes the word.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Read all eight ear and eer words as fast as you can, then once more.
Writing20 min

Revising it

  1. Revise the piece: add a detail, cut a sentence that doesn't belong, and make the ending stronger.
  2. Your child picks their best piece of the year, revises it, copies it neatly, and reads it to the family.
Math30 min

Number sudoku

  1. Make a small sudoku on the puzzle maker and solve it together.
  2. Then try a second one on your own.
Science20 min

Sun on paper

  1. Sunlight can burn skin, even on cloudy days. Leave dark paper in the sun with a few objects on it for an afternoon.
  2. Lift the objects: what did the sun do to the paper?
Social studies15 min

How voting works

  1. Talk about how grown-up citizens vote: they register, then vote at a polling place or by mail, and each vote is secret.
  2. Your child writes what they learned today and one question it raised.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Moon Follows Me

  1. Read “The Moon Follows Me” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 35, day 3 (day 173)

Reading30 min

ear and eer in sentences

  1. Read the ear and eer words from this week again, then read them in sentences: on the decodable page, or in three short sentences you write.
  2. New sight words: “together” and “try”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

Editing it

  1. Edit the piece for capitals, end marks, quotation marks and spelling.
  2. Your child picks their best piece of the year, revises it, copies it neatly, and reads it to the family.
Math30 min

Target number

  1. Pick a target, like 100. Roll four dice and use adding and subtracting to get as close as you can.
  2. Write your number sentence for each round.
Science20 min

Keeping ice cold

  1. Test which keeps a cup of ice coldest in the sun: a foil wrap, a towel, or nothing.
  2. Record how long each one takes to melt.
Social studies15 min

A family election

  1. Hold a family election with two candidates who each give a short speech, a secret ballot, and a count.
  2. Your child explains today to someone at home, then writes the main idea in a sentence.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Ruby and the Rainy Picnic

  1. Read “Ruby and the Rainy Picnic” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. Afterward, ask your child to tell the story back to you: first, next, last.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 35, day 4 (day 174)

Reading30 min

Read: Stone Soup

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask your child to tell it back: what happened first, next and last?
Writing20 min

Publishing it

  1. Copy the piece neatly, or make it into a little book with pictures.
  2. Your child picks their best piece of the year, revises it, copies it neatly, and reads it to the family.
Math30 min

Fact race

  1. Race through facts within 20 on the fact fluency page and compare with your score from the fall.
  2. Write both scores side by side.
Science20 min

Sweat cools

  1. Wet one hand and leave the other dry, then hold both in front of a fan.
  2. Write how sweat helps the body stay cool on a hot day.
Social studies15 min

Citizens help

  1. With a grown-up, do one thing to help your community this week, and write about it.
  2. Your child draws a labeled picture of today's activity and writes a caption.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Tom and the Big Fish

  1. Read “Tom and the Big Fish” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. Afterward, ask: who was your favorite in the story, and why?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 35, day 5 (day 175)

Reading30 min

Reread: The North Wind and the Sun

  1. Reread “The North Wind and the Sun” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “together” and “try”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

An author's reading

  1. Read your finished piece aloud to the family, then answer their questions as the author.
  2. Your child picks their best piece of the year, revises it, copies it neatly, and reads it to the family.
Math30 min

Math games day

  1. Play two 2nd grade math games your child chooses on peabody.kids.
  2. Your child teaches you how to play one of them.
Science20 min

Water safety

  1. Talk about water safety rules: swim only with a grown-up watching, wear a life jacket on boats, and never swim alone.
  2. Make a poster of three rules for summer.
Social studies15 min

A citizen's promises

  1. Write five promises for being a good citizen at home and in your community.
  2. Afterward, your child writes how today's topic shows up in their own town or home.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The First Steps

  1. Read “The First Steps” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. This one is true. Afterward, ask: what is one new thing you learned? Then find one more fact in it together.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

Week 36: Looking back on my year

2nd grade, week 36, day 1 (day 176)

Reading30 min

Review: read the words

  1. Read these words from the last few weeks: phone, happier, near, photo, happiest, clear, graph, funnier and year.
  2. Sort them by their spelling pattern, then read each group again.
  3. Any word that is slow goes on a card to read every day this week.
Writing20 min

What I learned this year

  1. Write five things you learned in 2nd grade, one from each subject.
  2. Your child writes about their year: what they learned, what was hard, and what they want to learn next.
Math30 min

Facts and place value

  1. Do two minutes of mixed facts, then write 735 in expanded form and in words.
  2. Compare 735 and 753 with a sign.
Science15 min

A question to test

  1. Write three questions and pick one you can test with things at home, like which paper towel soaks up the most.
  2. Your child writes what they did, what they saw, and what they think it means, in a science notebook.
Social studies20 min

A timeline of my year

  1. Make a timeline of the school year with two events from each quarter.
  2. Write a caption for each event.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Priya Moves Away

  1. Read “Priya Moves Away” aloud. It is above what your child reads alone, on purpose: hearing longer stories builds words and understanding.
  2. Before reading, look at the title and the first page and ask: what do you think this story is about?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 36, day 2 (day 177)

Reading30 min

Review: spell the words

  1. Say a word from the review list (phone, happier, near, photo, happiest and clear); your child says its sounds and writes it.
  2. Check each one together and fix any letter that is off.
  3. Then your child writes one sentence using two of the words.
Writing20 min

What was hard

  1. Write about something that was hard this year and how you got better at it.
  2. Your child writes about their year: what they learned, what was hard, and what they want to learn next.
Math30 min

Adding and subtracting within 1,000

  1. Solve 468 + 275 and 702 − 348, with blocks or on paper.
  2. Check each one with an estimate.
Science15 min

Plan a fair test

  1. Write your guess, the one thing you will change, and the things you will keep the same.
  2. Your child draws a labeled diagram of today's science and writes a sentence under it.
Social studies20 min

How I have changed

  1. Measure your height and compare it with the start of the year.
  2. Write three ways you have changed this year, inside and out.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Goodbye, Waffles

  1. Read “Goodbye, Waffles” aloud, with your child beside you where they can see the pictures.
  2. Stop halfway and ask: what do you think will happen next?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 36, day 3 (day 178)

Reading30 min

Review words in sentences

  1. Read these review words, then use each in a sentence out loud: phone, happier, near, photo, happiest and clear.
  2. Mix them up: point to a word at random and see if your child can read it.
  3. New sight words: “warm” and “cut”. These are read by sight, not sounded out. Write each on a card and read the cards every day this week.
Writing20 min

What I am proud of

  1. Write about the work you are proudest of this year, and why.
  2. Your child writes about their year: what they learned, what was hard, and what they want to learn next.
Math30 min

Measuring and time

  1. Measure three things in inches and in centimeters, then read three clocks to five minutes.
  2. Write the lengths and times in a chart.
Science15 min

Do the test

  1. Do the test three times and record the results in a table.
  2. Your child writes a guess about why it happened, and how they could test the guess.
Social studies20 min

A portfolio

  1. Choose one piece of work from each subject that shows your best learning.
  2. Write a card for each one saying why you chose it.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: The Ugly Duckling

  1. Read “The Ugly Duckling” aloud. Give the characters different voices; it helps a young listener follow who is talking.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 36, day 4 (day 179)

Reading30 min

Read: The Ugly Duckling

  1. Your child reads it aloud to you, then reads one page again with expression, the way a character would say it.
  2. When your child is stuck, say the first sound and let them finish the word, rather than saying the whole word.
  3. Afterward, ask: what was your favorite page, and why?
Writing20 min

Next year

  1. Write three things you want to learn in 3rd grade.
  2. Your child writes about their year: what they learned, what was hard, and what they want to learn next.
Math30 min

Money and graphs

  1. Count a handful of coins and bills, then make a bar graph of the coins by kind.
  2. Ask two questions about the graph.
Science15 min

Graph the results

  1. Make a bar graph of your results and write what it shows.
  2. Your child writes two facts they found out and one question still left.
Social studies20 min

Checking my goal

  1. Look back at the goal you set in week 1. Did you reach it?
  2. Write how you worked toward it, and a new goal for next year.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Eeyore's Birthday

  1. Read “Eeyore's Birthday” aloud, and let your child turn the pages.
  2. This is an old tale, told for a long time. Afterward, ask: what did someone in the story learn?
  3. On the read-along you can show the pages on a big screen, or let it read the words aloud while each one lights up.

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________

2nd grade, week 36, day 5 (day 180)

Reading30 min

Reread: Stone Soup

  1. Reread “Stone Soup” from last week. The second time is smoother and quicker: that is fluency growing.
  2. Find this week's sight words, “warm” and “cut”, in the book or on their cards.
  3. Let your child pick one page to read to someone else in the family.
Writing20 min

My reflection

  1. Put it all together into a reflection of two paragraphs and read it to someone.
  2. Your child writes about their year: what they learned, what was hard, and what they want to learn next.
Math30 min

End-of-year math show

  1. Your child chooses three math skills from the year and shows them to the family.
  2. Celebrate a year of 2nd grade math with a certificate.
Science15 min

Share the science

  1. Present your question, guess, test and results to the family, and say what you would test next.
  2. Your child explains today's science to someone at home, then writes it down in three sentences.
Social studies20 min

Celebrate 2nd grade

  1. Make a certificate for finishing 2nd grade.
  2. Show your portfolio to the family and answer their questions.
Read-aloud15 min

Read-aloud: Dumpling Takes the Lead

  1. Read “Dumpling Takes the Lead” aloud. If your child asks to hear it again, say yes: hearing a story twice is how it sticks.
  2. Afterward, ask: has anything like this happened to you? How was it the same, or different?

Date: ____________   Minutes: ________   Notes: ______________________________